High Knob Campground

Natural Tunnel State Park

More than 850 feet long and as tall as a 10-story building, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years.

Natural Tunnel State Park

The park is home to plenty of wildlife and offers camping, picnic shelters, lodging, boat launches and numerous types of trails. Canoeing is popular here.

Natural Tunnel State Park

The park is home to plenty of wildlife and offers camping, picnic shelters, lodging, boat launches and numerous types of trails. Canoeing is popular here.

Natural Tunnel State Park

More than 850 feet long and as tall as a 10-story building, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years.

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Cave Springs campground offers a rustic retreat in the scenic landscapes of southwestern Virginia, where the coordinates place you in the heart of Appalachian country near the Tennessee border. This first-come, first-served facility attracts campers seeking a more spontaneous outdoor experience, away from the crowds and pre-planned reservations that characterize many popular campgrounds. The name suggests the presence of natural springs in the area, hinting at the geological character that makes this region distinctive. With its location in Virginia's mountainous terrain, visitors can expect the rolling hills, hardwood forests, and natural beauty characteristic of this part of the Appalachian highlands. Information about specific amenities and facilities at Cave Springs is limited, which typically indicates a more primitive camping experience. Campers should come prepared for basic conditions and plan to be self-sufficient with camping equipment, water, and supplies. The remote nature of the area means you'll want to arrive well-stocked, as nearby services may be limited. This type of campground appeals to those who appreciate a back-to-basics approach and don't mind trading modern conveniences for solitude and a closer connection to nature. The practical details are straightforward but important: this is strictly a first-come, first-served campground, so arrival time matters, especially during weekends and peak seasons. You cannot reserve a site in advance—you must physically arrive to claim your spot. Payment may be handled through the Recreation.gov mobile app using a QR code scanning system, but here's the catch: you'll need to download the app before you arrive, as cellular service in this remote area is likely spotty or nonexistent. Come with cash or alternative payment methods as backup, and be prepared for the possibility that sites may be full when you arrive. This campground suits flexible travelers who enjoy the adventure of not knowing exactly where they'll end up and who value the peaceful, undeveloped character that comes with Virginia's lesser-known camping destinations.

Southwest Virginia Museum State Park

The Southwest Virginia Historical Museum state park chronicles the development of the town and surrounding area during the pioneering era and 1890s coal boom. The museum also rents a cottage.

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Bark Camp offers a back-to-basics camping experience in the Appalachian region of southwestern Virginia, where the rolling mountains create a peaceful backdrop for those seeking a quieter outdoor getaway. Located at coordinates that place it in the heart of traditional mountain country, this campground appeals to self-sufficient campers who appreciate the simplicity of a first-come, first-served site without the need for advance reservations or the pressure of competing online for popular dates. The campground operates on a straightforward arrival system—you'll need to physically show up to claim and purchase your site, making it ideal for flexible travelers and spontaneous adventurers. Once you arrive, payment is conveniently handled through a modern QR code system using the Recreation.gov mobile app's Scan and Pay feature, though it's crucial to download this app before you leave home, as cellular service in these remote mountain areas can be spotty or nonexistent. This blend of rustic location and tech-forward payment reflects the evolving nature of backcountry camping. While specific details about the number of sites, amenities, and available activities aren't extensively documented, the campground's first-come, first-served nature suggests a more primitive camping environment where you'll want to arrive prepared with your own supplies and equipment. The surrounding Appalachian landscape typically offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and enjoying the natural beauty of Virginia's mountain country, though you should research specific trails and attractions in the immediate vicinity before your visit. Bark Camp works best for campers who value flexibility over guaranteed reservations and who don't mind the uncertainty of potentially needing a backup plan if sites are full. Arrive early during weekends and holiday periods to improve your chances of securing a spot, and come prepared for a more rustic experience that rewards self-reliance and adaptability.

1700 Park Avenue SW, Norton, VA, USA, 24273

Tucked away in a tranquil forest embrace, Flatwoods Group Picnic Area offers the perfect sanctuary for bringing people together. Whether you're planning a memorable family reunion or organizing a team retreat, this secluded haven provides everything you need for an unforgettable gathering. Expansive lawns invite games and laughter, while winding hiking trails beckon adventure seekers to explore the surrounding wilderness. The heart of the facility is a well-appointed picnic shelter complete with electricity and water, ensuring comfort meets nature in perfect harmony.

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Escape the crowds at Cane Patch Campground, a hidden gem where tranquility reigns supreme. This peaceful retreat offers more than 30 thoughtfully spaced campsites spread across three distinct camping areas, each with its own character and charm. With direct access to the pristine waters of Phillips Creek, you'll find the perfect blend of solitude and natural beauty. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this lesser-known sanctuary rewards spontaneous adventurers and those seeking an authentic wilderness experience away from the busier campgrounds.

1700 Park Avenue SW, Norton, VA 24273, USA

Tucked away in the heart of the Appalachian wilderness, Phillips's Creek Group Picnic Area offers the perfect backdrop for bringing people together. Whether you're planning a long-awaited family reunion or organizing a company retreat, this secluded haven provides everything you need for memorable gatherings. Multiple picnic shelters dot the landscape, each equipped with charcoal grills where the aroma of barbecue mingles with the fresh mountain air. Convenient adjacent parking means less hauling and more time enjoying the company of your group. When adventure calls, nearby hiking trails beckon explorers into the forest, while the sparkling waters of North Fork of Pound Reservoir invite anglers to cast their lines and boaters to glide across its peaceful surface.

2207 Flannagan Dam Road

Tucked into the rolling Cumberland Mountains, Cranesnest Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover the pristine waters of John W. Flannagan Dam & Reservoir. Here, modern comfort meets mountain wilderness, where campers can choose from electric hookup sites while enjoying convenient bathhouses and family-friendly amenities. Children's laughter echoes from well-maintained playgrounds as boaters launch into the expansive lake, and families gather under picnic shelters for afternoon barbecues and spirited games of horseshoes against a backdrop of verdant mountain peaks.

1182 Pound River Campground Rd, Clintwood, VA 24228

Nestled within the breathtaking John W. Flannagan Dam & Reservoir area, Pound River Campground beckons adventurers to discover a pristine mountain retreat where crystal-clear waters meet the dramatic Cumberland Mountains. Renowned among outdoor enthusiasts for its immaculate facilities and warm, welcoming hosts, this hidden gem transforms camping into an unforgettable experience. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or gliding across the expansive lake by kayak, every moment here promises connection with nature at its finest.

1182 Pound River Campground Rd, Clintwood, VA 24228

Tucked away in Virginia's Cumberland Mountains, Pound River Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its peaceful waterfront setting along the pristine shores of John W. Flannagan Reservoir. This meticulously maintained gem offers the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure, where mornings begin with mist rising off the 1,145-acre lake and evenings end with stunning sunsets reflecting off calm waters. Whether you're seeking a quiet weekend retreat or a base camp for water adventures, this campground delivers an authentic mountain lake experience.

2086 Smithboro rd. P.O. BX 249, Sassfrass, Kentucky, 41759, United States

Discover Kentucky's best-kept secret where pristine waters meet endless sandy shores. Home to the longest sand beach in any Kentucky State Park, this lakeside haven has earned a devoted following among camping and fishing enthusiasts who return year after year. Recent upgrades to water and power facilities ensure modern comforts blend seamlessly with the natural splendor that defines this remarkable destination.

Carr Creek Lake

2207 Flannagan Dam Road

Tucked away in the verdant Cumberland Mountains of Virginia, Lower Twin Campground offers a peaceful retreat within the John W. Flannagan Dam & Reservoir Area. This hidden gem attracts those seeking solitude and authentic outdoor experiences, with well-appointed campsites featuring electrical hookups and modern bathhouses. Families and friends gather beneath the picnic shelters, fire up the grills for evening cookouts, and challenge each other to friendly games of horseshoes as the sun sets behind the mountain ridges.

John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir

843 Sassafras Creek Rd, Sassafras, KY 41759-8806, USA

Nestled along the pristine shores of Carr Creek Lake in southeastern Kentucky, Littcarr Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of modern amenities and natural beauty. This lakeside retreat features 45 thoughtfully designed sites, each equipped with water and electric hookups, ensuring comfort meets wilderness. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, launching your boat for a day of exploration, or simply soaking in the tranquil forest atmosphere, Littcarr provides the ideal basecamp. Modern conveniences including flush toilets, hot showers, and laundry facilities mean you can extend your stay and truly immerse yourself in the Kentucky outdoors.

2207 Flannagan Dam Road

1700 Park Avenue SW, Norton, VA 24273, USA

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

1182 Pound River Campground Rd, Clintwood, VA 24228

1700 Park Avenue SW, Norton, VA, USA, 24273

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

1182 Pound River Campground Rd, Clintwood, VA 24228

Southwest Virginia Museum State Park

Natural Tunnel State Park

Natural Tunnel State Park

Natural Tunnel State Park

Natural Tunnel State Park